RTÉ to broadcast Taylor's final fight at Croke Park
Katie Taylor's undisputed super lightweight title fight with Flora Pili at Croke Park next month will be shown live free-to-air by RTÉ Sport, as reported by rte.ie. The retirement fight for the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and multi-weight world champion is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September, with a crowd of 80,000 expected at the stadium.
RTÉ will broadcast the event on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with 2FM providing live radio commentary. The coverage will top off an extensive summer of sport on RTÉ, which has featured World Cup, GAA, and European Athletics and Swimming coverage.
Streaming platform DAZN, which operates on a subscription basis, will broadcast the fight worldwide. Tickets for the fight were snapped up in a matter of hours for what is anticipated to be one of the greatest sporting occasions ever held in the country.
Taylor's 'fairytale ending'
Taylor, who has long spoken about her aspiration to box at GAA HQ, expressed her disbelief at the anticipation and support for the event. "I'm actually blown away," she said. "It's been an amazing few weeks since the fight was announced, even on that bus tour going around the country. I felt like a pop star. It's the fairytale ending I always wanted and I can't believe it's actually happening. It's beyond my wildest dreams at this stage, but I still know I have a job to do."
Pili is the mandatory challenger for Taylor's IBF title and is described as an undefeated French boxer.
RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett said: "RTÉ was there at the start of Katie's journey as an amateur and we are delighted to be there for the final chapter. Katie is, and always will be, one of Ireland's greatest ever sporting icons and it is fitting that she ends her illustrious career in Croke Park in front of a full stadium and a national audience."
Homecoming big screen event in Bray
For fans unable to get tickets, Wicklow County Council has announced a screening of the fight on Bray Seafront, Taylor's hometown, as reported by The Irish Sun. The event will be free but ticketed, with 1,500 tickets available through Eventbrite. The fan zone opens at 7pm, with the main event expected around 10pm.
An Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley, said: "Katie Taylor has inspired generations through her dedication, determination and extraordinary success on the world stage. As her home town, Bray shares a special connection with Katie and we are proud to host this big screen event so that residents, visitors and supporters can come together to celebrate and support her. This promises to be a fantastic community occasion and a memorable night for Bray."
Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Councillor Malachai Duddy added: "There is tremendous excitement building throughout Bray ahead of fight night. Hosting a big screen event in Katie's home town is a fantastic opportunity for the community to celebrate a local sporting icon."
The alcohol-free, all-ages event will have public toilets along the promenade and hospitality businesses operating throughout the evening. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Limited parking will be available along the Strand and in Bray town centre, but organisers have encouraged attendees to travel by train or local bus routes (L14, 145, 184, and 155).
The last time Croke Park hosted boxing was in 1972 when Muhammad Ali fought Al Lewis, adding historical weight to the occasion. RTÉ will announce more details about the broadcast later.